st thomas Full Day Sailing Charter


Your Ultimate Virgin Islands Sailing Adventure

Spend a full day exploring the spectacular waters of St. Thomas and St. John aboard our sailing charter. This is the Virgin Islands experience you’ve been dreaming about! Turquoise waters stretching as far as you can see, pristine coral reefs teeming with tropical fish, deserted beaches accessible only by boat, and the freedom to truly disconnect and immerse yourself in Caribbean paradise.

Departing from Sapphire Beach on St. Thomas’s scenic east end, your full day charter takes you to the most beautiful and secluded spots in the Virgin Islands. Whether you’re snorkeling vibrant reefs, swimming in crystal-clear bays, or simply relaxing on deck with the sun and salt air, this is the way the Virgin Islands are meant to be experienced, by sail, at a relaxed pace, with time to truly savor each moment.


Your Day on the Water

Early Morning: Departure from Sapphire Beach

Your adventure begins at Sapphire Beach, where you’ll meet your captain and crew. After a brief orientation and safety briefing, we’ll cast off and set sail into the warm Caribbean waters. The protected passage between St. Thomas and St. John offers ideal sailing conditions year-round, and the scenery begins the moment we leave the beach. Watch St. Thomas’s lush hills fade into the distance as we head toward your first destination.

Mid Morning: Snorkeling in Paradise

The waters around St. Thomas and St. John are home to some of the Caribbean’s best snorkeling. We’ll anchor at carefully selected spots where coral reefs create underwater gardens bursting with color. Spot sea turtles gliding gracefully through the water, schools of tropical fish in every hue imaginable, and if we’re lucky, rays resting on the sandy bottom. Our crew knows these reefs intimately and will guide you to the best viewing areas. All snorkeling equipment is provided, and whether you’re a first-timer or experienced snorkeler, we’ll ensure you’re comfortable and making the most of your time underwater.

Late Morning: Secluded Beach Stops

One of the joys of sailing is accessing places larger vessels and land-based visitors simply can’t reach. We’ll visit secluded beaches and coves where you can swim in water so clear you can see 50 feet to the bottom, walk pristine sand beaches, or simply float in the calm, protected waters. These are the moments that define a Virgin Islands vacation, feeling like you’ve discovered your own private piece of paradise.

Midday: Lunch and Relaxation

Midday, we’ll anchor in a beautiful bay where you can enjoy a delicious lunch served aboard. Dine on deck with the gentle rocking of the boat, surrounded by stunning island views. After lunch, you can continue snorkeling, take a swim, or simply stretch out on deck and let the Caribbean work its magic. There’s no rushing on a sailing charter. We move at island pace!

Early Afternoon: Sailing Between the Islands

Between stops, enjoy the pure pleasure of sailing. Feel the boat heel gently as we catch the trade winds, watch dolphins playing in our wake, and take in the dramatic scenery of the Virgin Islands from the water. Your captain will share knowledge about the islands, point out landmarks, and answer questions about sailing or local life. You may even be able take the helm under the captain’s guidance.

Mid Afternoon: Return to Sapphire Beach

As the afternoon winds down, we’ll make our way back to Sapphire Beach, typically arriving in mid to late afternoon. You’ll return sun-kissed, relaxed, and with memories of a day that captured everything special about the USVI.


Cruise Details

Duration: Full day charter runs 6.5 hours, giving you ample time to explore multiple locations

Departure: Sapphire Beach, St. Thomas, USVI – one of the island’s most beautiful beaches with easy access and parking

Sailing Area: Waters between St. Thomas and St. John, including stops at world-class snorkeling sites, secluded beaches, and scenic anchorages

Included: Professional captain and crew, beverages (including rum punch, beer, wine, and soft drinks), light snacks, all safety equipment, and a sunset you’ll never forget

Group Size: Small groups up to 6 for an intimate experience – private charters & larger Group Sizes available

What to Bring: Reef-safe sunscreen, towel, camera (waterproof case recommended), hat, sunglasses, light cover-up, and any personal items you’ll want for the day


Our Reviews

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Simon Nold profile picture
Simon Nold
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This is perfect for small groups. Kendal was an awesome captain that really gave us a great sailing experience. Full of knowledge of the local area and had great snorkeling spots. Would recommend to anyone who is looking for that smaller intimate sailing experience!
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Jenn Douglas profile picture
Jenn Douglas
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Our sailing trip with Captain Kendall was absolutely unforgettable! ⛵🌊 From the moment we set out, his incredible experience and deep knowledge of sailing made us feel confident and safe on the water. You can immediately tell how passionate he is about the island and about sailing—he shared so many interesting insights that made the entire trip feel like both an adventure and a learning experience. It was my first time sailing, and I’ll admit the waves made me a little nervous at first. But Captain Kendall’s great sense of humor quickly eased my anxiety and had us all laughing and enjoying the ride. His calm confidence made the whole experience even better. One of the highlights was the delicious home-cooked lunch he prepared for us—seriously amazing flavor! 🍽️ And the wildlife sightings were incredible. We saw beautiful, colorful fish and even two baby turtles swimming nearby, which felt like such a special moment. If you’re looking for an authentic, fun, and memorable sailing experience, Captain Kendall is the one to go with. Highly recommend! 🌴🐢
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Jennifer Elkins
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BOOK IT!! After our experience I would trust Captain Kendall with my life. Experience beyond comprehension. Good company. Delicious lunch. Great snorkeling spots. Don't miss this opportunity everyone!
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mo gatto profile picture
mo gatto
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Absolutely perfect day spent with Kendal. He was captain, chef, bartender, lifeguard and entertainment. I have no idea how he did all that without ever breaking a sweat! The boat was well equipped with everything needed for a day of sailing, snorkeling, eating and drinking. Kendal is an extremely skilled sailor. He navigated unusual Caribbean winds and weather with ease. Watching him solo the boat ( even picking up the mooring ball while simultaneously controlling the helm and sheets) was nothing short of amazing. He put extra effort into getting us to the best snorkeling locations and to make sure we had a great sail in between. Like I said…an absolutely perfect day.
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V H profile picture
V H
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We looked for the best day trip on the water and found it here. Captain Kendall was a wonderful host, guide, history teacher, cook, beverage server and overall safe keeper for the passengers. Lots of hats! The boat is well equipped and clean. If you’re looking around for a high value excursion, this is for you!
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Marianne Langlois profile picture
Marianne Langlois
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Spend the day sailing with Kendall who has years of experience. He shared the history of the many islands. He took us to private bats for snorkeling and prepared a very filling lunch. Highly recommend if looking for a day trip
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Cari Grundman profile picture
Cari Grundman
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What a great day!! Tommy the captain and Kayla, his first mate, were delightful and so easy to plan our day trip with. They picked us up in the 40’ Beneteau promptly at 9 am. The boat was clean and well maintained. Tommy is knowledgeable and confident at the helm and made even the first time sailor feel right at home! We sailed to 3 blissful coves, Lovongo, Scott and Christmas where anchor was dropped and off we went snorkeling. All equipment was supplied. The locations were picture perfect and empty (due to being off season!) A lunch of grilled chicken, pasta salad and watermelon was provided and plenty of rum punch, painkillers and tequila. Tommy is a wealth of knowledge about the islands, their history, and fun facts. The 6 hr day flew by and we’d definitely book with Tommy and Virgin Island Day Sailing again!!
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Robyn Calhoun profile picture
Robyn Calhoun
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We had the BEST day ever sailing and snorkeling with Kendall. This is our 1st visit to St Thomas and our 1st time to book with VI Day Sailing. We have traveled to many places and taken similar trips but this one was by far the best! Kendall took us to the best spots to snorkel, cooked a delicious lunch and made sure all our needs were met.
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Colleen Wise profile picture
Colleen Wise
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Mark is a great captain and Rusty is a great first mate! They’re both very friendly, accommodating and knowledgeable. The drinks were perfect and the food was delicious. It was really fun to go ocean sailing, I highly recommend it!
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Alan C profile picture
Alan C
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Captain Mark and Rusty did a great job We had a great day of sailing and snorkeling Michelle even got a great video of herself swimming with the turtles. Lunch was absolutely delicious Highly recommend this trip
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Why Choose a Full Day Charter

While shorter cruises offer a taste of the Virgin Islands, a full day charter lets you truly experience what makes these islands special. You’ll have time to visit multiple locations, each offering something different – perhaps a shallow reef perfect for beginner snorkelers in the morning, a spectacular deeper reef after lunch, and a pristine beach for swimming and relaxation later in the afternoon.

The unhurried pace of a full day sail allows you to sync with the rhythm of the islands. There’s no rushing from one spot to the next, no feeling like you need to hurry back. Instead, you have the luxury of time. Time to really explore that reef, time to swim until you’re satisfied, time to simply sit on deck and watch the world go by. This is the antidote to rushed vacation schedules, a day where the only agenda is enjoying wherever you are in that moment.

For many of our guests, the full day charter becomes the highlight of their Virgin Islands vacation. It’s a chance to see parts of St. Thomas and St. John that most visitors never experience, to snorkel pristine reefs far from crowds, and to feel the freedom that comes from a day spent entirely on the water.

Sapphire Beach

Departing from Sapphire Beach positions us perfectly for exploring the best of both St. Thomas and St. John. Located on St. Thomas’s east end, Sapphire Beach provides quick access to open water without the congestion of Charlotte Amalie or Red Hook. Within minutes of departure, you’re in beautiful cruising grounds with nothing but water and islands ahead.

Sapphire Beach itself is stunning. There’s convenient parking, easy beach access, and the location is straightforward to find whether you’re staying nearby or driving from other parts of the island.

Perfect For

Our full day sailing charter is ideal for families looking to create lasting memories together, couples seeking a romantic and adventurous day, friend groups wanting to celebrate a special occasion, or anyone who appreciates the beauty of the ocean and the freedom of sailing. We welcome first-time snorkelers and experienced sailors alike. The day is customizable to your interests and comfort level, making it suitable for a wide range of ages and abilities.

Add a Sunset Experience

Don’t want the day to end? Consider our full day sail with sunset add-on. After a full day of exploration, we’ll position the boat for the sunset, providing a magical conclusion to your time on the water. It’s the ultimate Virgin Islands experience, a full day of adventure followed by one of nature’s most beautiful displays.

Book Your Full Day Sailing Charter

Our full day charters are limited to ensure quality and personalized attention. During peak season, we recommend booking well in advance. Whether you’re planning your trip months ahead or looking for availability during your current stay in St. Thomas, we’re here to help create your perfect day on the water. Ready for your Virgin Islands sailing adventure? Have questions about our full day sail? Contact us – we’ll help you plan every detail.

We can Accommodate Larger Groups – up to 18 People!

Explore More Sailing Options

If you’re looking for a shorter option, check out our sunset sailing cruise – perfect for a romantic evening on the water. Want the best of both worlds? Our full day with sunset add-on combines adventure and romance in one unforgettable experience.
Interested in a completely customized experience? Ask about our large group or other private sailing charters options tailored specifically to your preferences.


Frequently Asked Questions

Your full day charter includes professional captain and crew, snorkeling equipment, lunch, beverages throughout the day (rum punch, beer, wine, soft drinks, water), all safety equipment, and exploration of the best spots around St. Thomas and St. John.

We sail the waters between St. Thomas and St. John, visiting pristine snorkeling spots, secluded bays, and beautiful beaches. Popular areas include locations around St. John’s National Park and hidden gems known only to locals. The exact itinerary is flexible based on weather, sea conditions, and your preferences.

The full day charter runs approximately 6.5 hours, typically departing mid-morning from Sapphire Beach and returning mid to late afternoon. Exact times are confirmed when you book.

Yes, we provide all snorkeling equipment including masks, snorkels, fins, and flotation devices. Our crew will help you get fitted properly and guide you to the best snorkeling spots. We maintain our equipment to the highest standards.

Not at all! Our full day charter is perfect for all experience levels. Our crew handles all the sailing, and we provide snorkeling instruction for beginners. Whether you’re a first-timer or experienced, we ensure everyone is comfortable and having a great time.

No problem. While some guests are snorkeling, others can swim, relax on the boat, explore beaches, or simply enjoy being on the water. There’s no pressure to participate in any activity – it’s your day.

Yes, families are welcome and we love having children aboard. The calm waters and shallow snorkeling areas are perfect for kids. We have flotation devices available, and our crew is experienced with young sailors.

The waters between St. Thomas and St. John are generally calm and protected. However, if you’re prone to motion sickness, we recommend taking medication before departure. Let us know at booking if this is a concern.

BOOK ONLINE NOW!

Up to 6 Guests – from $229 PP
7 to 12 Guests? click here
more than 12? click here
  • 9:00am to 3:30pm
  • Open Bar & Snacks
  • Snorkeling Equipment